Already enrolled?

One Pattern, Many Looks: Pants

Create a versatile block pattern to ensure perfect-fitting pants across an array of style choices. Kathy Ruddy shows you how!

Three styles of waist finish ... three kinds of pockets ... three different leg styles. Kathy Ruddy gives you all these options and more, using a single pants pattern that you'll adjust to fit in any fabric. Make your own tummy-tuck jeans or yoked yoga pants. Never worry again about fit when making a new pair of trousers, jeans or casual pants. Kathy's ready-to-wear secrets will save you time and give you great results. You'll love this no-nonsense approach to real women's bodies and clothing needs.

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Meet Kathy Ruddy & Get Started

Make a pants pattern block that you'll use again and again. Kathy shows a few patterns she likes and discusses how to work with different fabrics.

25:21

Lesson 2. Creating the Pattern Block

A pattern block allows you to make design changes onto a basic pant pattern that already fits you perfectly. Kathy shows you how to make your own customized pattern block.

31:06

Lesson 3. Refining the Fit

Adjusting the geometry of your pattern block allows you to sew pants that fit your shape. Kathy demonstrates how to adjust for such common issues as rounded tummy, flat or round seat or thick legs and thighs.

12:27

Lesson 4. Leg Design Changes

Kathy talks about adjusting hems, and creating different leg silhouettes such as skinny leg, straight leg, boot fit and bellbottoms.

46:44

Lesson 5. Faced Waists & Hidden Zippers

In this lesson, you'll learn about creating a waist facing, dealing with waist darts and inserting a hidden zipper. Kathy demonstrates some handy sewing and pressing tools.

40:21

Lesson 6. Elastic-Waist Pants

Yesterday's elastic-waist pants were frumpy. Today they're called "yoga pants," and they're sleek and fashionable. Learn how to measure, cover and secure different widths of elastic for a smooth, comfortable fit.

32:33

Lesson 7. Adding a Fly Zipper

Kathy shows you everything you need to know about making a fly front for your custom pants, including how to interface, insert the zipper, make a backstop and add belt loops.

25:32

Lesson 8. Slash Pockets

Learn how to make slash pockets, including the style you find in those expensive tummy-tuck jeans.Yes, their secret is in the pocket! You won't believe how easy it is to duplicate this look.

17:31

Lesson 9. Back Yoke & Patch Pockets

Lean more jeans-style detailing for your garment. You'll learn how to draft a rub-off pocket using waxed paper, how to place pockets for a flattering look and how to sew your pockets securely.

27:50

Lesson 10. Welt Pockets

Kathy reviews different styles of welt pockets for front and back pockets and men's or women's pants. You'll learn how to choose the best style and placement, construct the welt pocket and finish it neatly.

"Up until this class, my pants were definitely a hit-or-miss affair. No longer. I can now see what is different between the pattern and my figure (with all its faults) and also how to interpret and make adjustments. Furthermore, all those fancy impressive-looking welt pockets have been demystified. Lots of little sewing tips from an expert to build confidence to try something new." - SleeveheadColchester, England

5000+ students have enrolled in this class

Recently Enrolled

Lesson plan

10:06

Lesson 1. Meet Kathy Ruddy & Get Started

Make a pants pattern block that you'll use again and again. Kathy shows a few patterns she likes and discusses how to work with different fabrics.

25:21

Lesson 2. Creating the Pattern Block

A pattern block allows you to make design changes onto a basic pant pattern that already fits you perfectly. Kathy shows you how to make your own customized pattern block.

31:06

Lesson 3. Refining the Fit

Adjusting the geometry of your pattern block allows you to sew pants that fit your shape. Kathy demonstrates how to adjust for such common issues as rounded tummy, flat or round seat or thick legs and thighs.

12:27

Lesson 4. Leg Design Changes

Kathy talks about adjusting hems, and creating different leg silhouettes such as skinny leg, straight leg, boot fit and bellbottoms.

46:44

Lesson 5. Faced Waists & Hidden Zippers

In this lesson, you'll learn about creating a waist facing, dealing with waist darts and inserting a hidden zipper. Kathy demonstrates some handy sewing and pressing tools.

40:21

Lesson 6. Elastic-Waist Pants

Yesterday's elastic-waist pants were frumpy. Today they're called "yoga pants," and they're sleek and fashionable. Learn how to measure, cover and secure different widths of elastic for a smooth, comfortable fit.

32:33

Lesson 7. Adding a Fly Zipper

Kathy shows you everything you need to know about making a fly front for your custom pants, including how to interface, insert the zipper, make a backstop and add belt loops.

25:32

Lesson 8. Slash Pockets

Learn how to make slash pockets, including the style you find in those expensive tummy-tuck jeans.Yes, their secret is in the pocket! You won't believe how easy it is to duplicate this look.

17:31

Lesson 9. Back Yoke & Patch Pockets

Lean more jeans-style detailing for your garment. You'll learn how to draft a rub-off pocket using waxed paper, how to place pockets for a flattering look and how to sew your pockets securely.

27:50

Lesson 10. Welt Pockets

Kathy reviews different styles of welt pockets for front and back pockets and men's or women's pants. You'll learn how to choose the best style and placement, construct the welt pocket and finish it neatly.

The instructor

Kathy Ruddy, Instructor of One Pattern, Many Looks: Pants

Kathy Ruddy's career in the fashion and garment industry spans five decades. With a degree in design for apparel manufacture, she has created and taught countless classes on sewing techniques. Her current passion is helping students learn how to draft custom patterns.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(48 reviews)

The Best.

by adabhm7773760 on July 23, 2015

Kathy made the best of my 10 classes. I keep coming back to het tips and tutorials.Please let her make more classes

Kathy made the best of my 10 classes. I keep coming back to het tips and tutorials.Please let her make more classes

A Go-To Class When you are Sewing any Pant Pattern

by DonnaDeCourcy on July 16, 2015

I find I use this class frequently for tips on sewing pants, inserting fly front zippers and changing waistlines, adding pockets or changing design lines on pants. Kathy presents the material in a "You can do it" manner. She explains things clearly, and you gain confidence from seeing her demonstrations. I was fortunate to be able to see Kathy in person in Missisauga, Canada and have her fit me for the pant block. She is a lively and funny presenter, with a lot of energy! This is a ...

I find I use this class frequently for tips on sewing pants, inserting fly front zippers and changing waistlines, adding pockets or changing design lines on pants. Kathy presents the material in a "You can do it" manner. She explains things clearly, and you gain confidence from seeing her demonstrations. I was fortunate to be able to see Kathy in person in Missisauga, Canada and have her fit me for the pant block. She is a lively and funny presenter, with a lot of energy! This is a class that you will use often, if you are in search of well-fitting pants. I hope that Craftsy asks her to do another class on fitting issues. She has a ton of experience and is an excellent teacher.

You need this class

by kcastillo0319 on July 2, 2015

I have over 80 Craftsy classes, so when I say this is in my top 10, that tells you that I like it. So much content, all high quality, with the thought process that went into the decisions for construction and alterations. Thanks, Kathy, for pouring out your vast knowledge for us.

I have over 80 Craftsy classes, so when I say this is in my top 10, that tells you that I like it. So much content, all high quality, with the thought process that went into the decisions for construction and alterations. Thanks, Kathy, for pouring out your vast knowledge for us.

Very Interesting Class

by Suzan88 on May 28, 2015

I'm getting quite a few ah ha! moments so I think this is going to be a very useful class for me and it helps that I like the presentation style too.

I'm getting quite a few ah ha! moments so I think this is going to be a very useful class for me and it helps that I like the presentation style too.

Frequently asked questions

You can use any pants pattern you choose! Kathy also suggests some patterns to try. You'll want to look at your favorite pants or pants in stores to see what design details you'd like to include in your own pattern.